A pinch of this, a dash of that...

The Shadow Killer (3rd story featuring late-night radio host Charlie D) by Gail Bowen (library copy) -

I've talked about how much I enjoy this series (both Rapid Reads and Charlie D) before.  This particular story was just as intense as the others before it.  It centered on Father's Day, and while Charlie D's take on fathers is vastly different than my own, I found the numerous father quotes (and the way certain songs were mixed in) interesting.  The only problem was how abrupt the ending was.  You go on this scary ride that stops just at the edge of a cliff.  Then calmly walk back home (or wherever) as if nothing happened.  Nevertheless, I remain a Charlie D fan and hope to read more about him in the future.

Love in a Nutshell by Janet Evanovich and Dorien Kelly (library copy) -

When I heard there was going to be a new Janet Evanovich romance (not a reprint) and it was a first in series (not one I have to catch up to read) I was excited.  Here's the thing... It was nice, but it lacked that special something that usually draws me to Evanovich's books.  I don't regret reading it, but I won't be getting a personal copy (i.e. Explosive Eighteen was a library copy, but I've kept it on my PaperBackSwap Wish List so I'll get a keeper copy eventually).

The Demon's Parchment (Crispin Guest Medieval Noir, Bk 3) by Jeri Westerson (library HB copy) -

This passage through Crispin's life had some interesting turns.  Certain attitudes during that time (like those towards Jews) are one thing to recognize as history.  But when the character you like and are following agrees with those attitudes... it's realistic but frustrating.  I did like that Crispin eventually uses his head more than mindlessly following what he's been told, but even then, prejudice is a hard thing to break.  The case he's working on is horrifying (stomach-turning).  The most fascinating (and still horrible) part is in the afterword when the author tells you it's based on a true medieval serial killer, in addition to a lot of other interesting bits of information relating to happenings in the story.  Anyway, the trailer I saw with a review of the 4th book in this series, Troubled Bones, is what got me started on this series so I certainly look forward to reading that.

Grave Witch (Alex Craft, Bk 1) by Kalayna Price (ILL copy) -

I decided to try this after reading a review at Babbling Book Reviews.  I enjoyed it.  I like Alex.  I also like Falin, and Death, and Roy... it's always a good sign for me when I like not only the protag but also multiple supporting characters.  I found the different types of magic, and especially Alex's grave magic, interesting.  I look forward to reading book 2, Grave Dance.  At the least it should be another ILL.  Or maybe my library will decide to purchase it.  We'll see...

Beware of the Frog by William Bee (library copy) -

I read this awhile ago, and my nephews and niece (especially my niece) loved it. So I had to mention it before I returned it (I've had it out for 6 weeks).  It's seems like it's just going to be a nice read, and surprise!... it turns funny.  But the end is the REAL surprise... Hilarious.  Plus it has literary pluses... descriptive words, and other things about fonts and patterns that I don't really remember from my early literacy class.